OFF THE COAST OF NORTH CAROLINA Having assured himself that the ship was fully up with Cape Henlopen, Christy retired to his cabin, and still "alone in his glory," he broke the seal of the official envelope.

He was to cruise outside of the blockaders, and report to the flag-officer when opportunity presented.
Just then it was believed that Richmond, which received all its foreign supplies from Wilmington, could not long hold out if it was captured; and the Secretary of the Navy was giving special attention to the forts which protected it.
It was evident to the young commander that he was not to rust in inactivity, as had been the case of late off Mobile Bay, and a wide field of operations was open to him.

His instructions were minute, but they did not confine his ship to the immediate vicinity of the mouth of the Cape Fear River.

It was evident that the speed of the St.Regis had been an important factor in framing the secret orders.
If a blockade-runner eluded or outsailed the vessels of the fleet near the coast, the St.Regis was expected to "pick her up." On the other hand, the fastest of the vessels were sent out farther from the shore, and the ship was expected to support them.

Christy realized that he should be called upon to exercise his judgment in many difficult situations, and he could only hope that he should be equal to such occasions.
"Good-morning, Captain Passford," said Paul Vapoor, saluting him on the quarter-deck.